Opened by Fox West Coast Theatres in 1937, the Fox Bruin Theatre originally had 876 seats, all on a single floor. It was designed by architect S. Charles Lee, one of the foremost & prolific theatre architect’s in Southern California, who’s earlier work included the downtown Tower Theatre and Los Angeles Theatre. This is a small, but elegant theatre, that is often seen in the backdrop of movie premieres taking place across the street at the Village Theatre. Its wrap-around marquee can be seen from all four streets which intesect at the theatre. Originally the auditorium side-walls were treated with luminous painted stencils which glowed in the dark from the ‘black lighting’ effects of the cove lighting. It was taken over by Mann Theatres chain in 1973. and was equipped to screen 70mm movies in 1978. Sadly, the theatre’s auditorium murals that once glowed in the dark have been painted over, leaving a totally plain auditorium. As of 2009, the seating capacity is listed as 696.

Regency Theatres replaced Mann Theatres as the movie operator on April 1, 2010.

Bruin is now also sold out for the midnight showing of the Harry Potter movie. Westwood will be insane that night and I will be there.

Regency is to be commended and supported for running three great single screens, including the Lido gem in Newport Beach. They also just reopened the Valley 6, near Laurel Canyon & Victory in N Hollywood-only $3.

The Thursday midnight show at the Bruin was packed. I was the only senior in the audience and did not see anyone under 18 or over 25 in the audience. The UCLA crowd was great and highly responsive to the movie.

On its opening weekend caught the Saturday 10:20P show for “Burlesque.” There were only about 21 of us at the Bruin. Cher stood out and sang a good number. Christina Aguilera has a powerful voice, but her persona seems manufactured.

As one who has seen classic burlesque performers years ago in Chicago and Philly, the movie “Burlesque” had zero sex appeal. Rent or see “Beyond the Burly Q” for a much grittier and accurate take on this lost art form.

Speaking of special displays kudos for the El Capitan: They installed a Rapunzel like tower above the marquee for the run of “Tangled” and are giving out a gold coin to each patron as the movie is the 50th Disney animation.

Attended an Academy screening of Lincoln last night followed by a Q and A panel including the likes of Daniel Day Lewis, Steven Speilberg, John Williams, Kathleen Kennedy, etc. The theater was packed. First time I’ve seen it this way in years. Made me miss the glory days of Westwood. The old house still has it. Excellent presentation.

There’s a video on youtube dedicated to Stan’s Donuts in Westwood (located right across from the street from the Bruin Theater). The video includes old and new footage of the Bruin and other Westwood theaters: